The restless Earth Flashcards
Describe inner core
hottest part of earth
solid iron and nickel
up to 5,500 degrees c
describe outer core
liquid iron and nickel
similar temperatures to inner core
Describe mantel
widest section of earth
thickness= approx 2,900km
molten
describe crust
thin - 0-60km
solid rock
Compare continental crust with oceanic crust
C = lower density, mainly granite rock, thicker (50-60km), older (4 billion years)
O = higher density, mainly basalt rock, thinner (6-9km), younger (200 million years)
What generates convection current?
radioactive decay in core
How does convection current happen?
hot, less dense rises
cold, more dense falls
What moves tectonic plates?
convection currents
What is a destructive plate boundary?
plates move towards each other
What do destructive plate boundaries cause?
violent volcanoes, earthquakes, deep-ocean trenches and fold mountains.
Describe what happens in destructive plates
- Ocean ice plate less dense so is forced under continental plate, point at which this happens is called subduction zone.
- Oceanic plate melts due to friction and increased temp, magma forms resulting in earthquakes.
- Magma collects to form magma chamber. Magma then rises up through cracks in continental crust. Building pressure can cause volcanic eruption.
- Continental crust squashed and forced upwards, creating fold mountains.
Give an example of destructive plate boundary
Nazca plate forced under South America plate, resulting is Andes mountain range
What is a constructive plate boundary?
plates moving apart
What do constructive plate boundaries cause?
less violent volcanoes and earthquakes and mid ocean ridges
Describe what happens in constructive plate boundaries
- Plates move apart so magma rises from mantel and onto surface. Earthquakes occur.
- Magma on surface cools and solidifies, forming new crust of igneous rock. Repeats over time and eventually builds up to form shield volcano.
Give example of constructive plate boundary
North American plate moving away from Eurasian plate, resulting in mid Atlantic ridge and formation of Iceland through volcanic activity
What is a conservative plate boundary?
Plates slide past one another
What do conservative plate boundaries cause?
frequent and violent earthquakes